Means for mounting and regulating the outer end of a spiral spring



Nov. 3, 1964 D. PINKAS 3,

MEANS FOR MOUNTING AND REGULATING THE OUTER END OF A SPIRAL SPRING FiledJan. 22, 1965 I mvpmoa Dd UL aZ Parvkas 97' TOENEY3 United States Patent3,154312 MEANS FOR MGUNTING AND REGULATING THE OUTER END 9F A SPIRALSPRING David Pinkas, 51 Wall St., Norwalk, Conn. Filed Jan. 22, 1963,Ser. No. 253,122 12 Claims. (Cl. 58-113) The present invention relatesto means for mounting and controlling the outer end portion of a spiralspring in an instrument, timepiece or the like, and particularly to theprovision of readily releasable means for securing the outer end of thespring to a support and for connecting a regulator means to the spring.

Heretofore, it has been the practice to secure the outer end of a spiralspring to a support by means of pins, wedges, clamps or set screws. Thishas required machining, drilling and/ or tapping of the support and thesecuring means have been tedious to operate when it was desirous ofsecuring or releasing the spring due to the requirement of the use ofsmall punches, screw drivers or the like. In most instances the securingmeans is on the side of the support and in a position which is notconvenient to reach. Also, the connection between the regulator arm andspring has been diflicult to operate due to the use of small tools. Thishas been particularly true in connection with the mounting andcontrolling of hairsprings in small watches.

It is an object of the present invention to overcome these difficultiesby providing simplified means for securing the outer end of a spiralspring to a support or bridge which is readily accessible and does notrequire the use of small tools to secure or release the spring.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel regulator arm andharness means for controlling the effective length of the spring, whichmeans is simple to construct, readily accessible, and easy to operate toconnect or release the spring therefrom. a 1

This is accomplished by providing a clip secured to the outer endportion of the spring which is adapted to be slidably received in a slotformed in the side edge of the support or bridge, which spring is heldtherein by easily accessible and readily releasable means. The 'clipsecured to the end of the spring can be provided with a portion by whichit can be gripped, preferably by tweezers or the like tool, tofacilitate its handling during the insertion and removal thereof fromthe slot in the support. Also, the end of the regulator arm is providedwith means for embracing the spring and harnessing it to the arm tocontrol the length of the spring, which means includes an operatinglever overlying the top of the regulator for moving a keeper means intoand out of harnessing relation with the spring.

A feature of the invention resides in the simplicity of the elementsemployed in the present invention and in their ease of manufacture andoperation which permit the spring to be quickly released from thesupport or bridge without the removal of the support or bridge from theinstrument or timepiece.

Another feature of the invention resides in the size and the position ofthe regulator arm to the side of the bridge adjacent the connection ofthe spring thereto which gives a better view of the other portion of theinstrument or the usual escapement mechanism in a watch.

' Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent fromthe specification and claims when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which:

} FIGURE 1 shows a plan view of a bridge or cock for a balance wheel ofa Watch showing the connecting means and harnessing means of the presentinvention.

' FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the end of the regulator arm.

FIG. 3 is a view of the arm looking in a direction of the arrows on line3-3 of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the keeper means on the end of theregulator arm.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the clip secured to the outer endof the spring.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary end view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1.

While the present invention is useful in mounting the outer end of aspiral spring in any instrument having a rotor to which the inner end ofthe spring is connected, it has particular utility in the mounting of ahairspring in a watch and will be described in this use.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, there is a supporting member 10, usuallycalled a bridge or cock which is secured to the works or plate of awatch (not shown) by a screw 11. The bridge pivotally supports a balancewheel 12 of the watch for rotation or oscillation. The balance wheel hasthe inner end of a hairspring 13 secured thereto.

The present invention provides a novel means for securing the terminalor outer end portion 13a of the hairspring to the bridge. This isaccomplished, as shown in FIGS. 1, 4, 5 and 6, by providing a clip 14formed of a strip 15 of sheet metal or the like material. The clip isfolded around the end portion 13a of the hairspring which, as shown inFIG. 6, is of rectangular cross-section. The strip has the upper ends15a bent outwardly to form locating flanges. Preferably, the flangeshave a plurality of cross'notches 16 for cooperating with a retainingmeans, if desired, as will be explained.

The strip also has a portion 15b which is wrapped around the spring toeffectively secure the clip in place. This means also forms a grippingportion whereby the end of the spring can be gripped, preferably by atweezer or the like, to be manipulated in its insertion into a slot 17formed in the side of the bridge 10. The clip can be applied to thespring at the factory or can be applied by any jeweler by the use ofpliers to press the preformed clip into clamping relation with the outerportion of the spring at a desired point thereon.

As shown in FIG. 1, the slot 17 is of such a size and is positioned soas to easily and slidably receive the clip without producing anyabnormal curvature in the end portion of the spring. When the clip isinserted in the slot it will be noted that the flanges 15a overlie theupper surface of the bridge 10- and properly and accurately locate theposition of said end portion. A detent means 18 is provided forcooperating with the flange to releasably retain the end of thehairspring against moving out of the slot. This means comprises a spring19 secured to the bridge, as by a screw 20, and having a finger portion1% extending over the flanges and lying in the notches. Thiseffectivelyholds the end in position; yet merely by lifting the end of the fingerportion, the clip is released for removal from the bridge.

The bridge also carries a regulator arm 21 which is pivoted to moveabout the axis of rotation of the balance wheel. The arm 21 has a narrowend portion, the outer end 20a of which projects from the bridge.Preferably, the outer end projects from the side of the bridge as shownin FIG. '1. Depending from the arm adjacent the outer end thereof is apost 21a which is to be positioned on one side of the portion of thehairspring adjacent thereto ,as shown in FIG. 2. A keeper means- 22 isprovided for harnessing the spring to the arm for adjustments thereby.While this may take many forms, in the illustrated form of the inventionthe keeper means comprises a member cooperating with the post androtatable on the arm by an operator and having a portion extending underthe spring. In the preferred form of the invention the keeper meanscomprises a flat, substantially L-shaped member 23, preferably lator.The bearing surfaces of the L-shaped member adjacent the post engage theundersurface of the arm as shown in FIG. 2.

In accordance with the present invention a novel operator for the keepermeans for rotating the same for releasing the spring is provided. Thiscomprises a lever or operator 27 having a square hole 28 press-fit overthe squared end of the projection to overlie the top of the arm and holdthe keeper in position on the arm; The lever can be engaged by the sidesor, if desired, can have surfaces 27a, 27b at the end thereof whereby itcan be readily rotated so that the lateral projection 23b extendingunder the spring can be moved into and out of harnessing relation withthe spring. It will be noted that the lever, which overlies thetop ofthe regulator arm, can be readily engaged from the top and moved fromoperative to released position without first removing the bridge. 7

Further, with the regulator arm extending from the side of the bridge'asshown in FIG. 1, there is an unobstructed view of the instrument or theusual escapement mechanism (not shown) in the watch.

Thus, it will be seen that the present invention provides an extremelysimple, yet effective means for anchoring the terminal or outer endportion of a spiral spring and the regulating thereof by means which areexposed from the upper surface of the watch so that the hairspring canbe released from the bridge and regulator quickly to enable the bridgeand regulator to be removed and access had to the hairspring and balanceWheel. It will be noted that it is unnecessary to use any punches, screwdrivers or the like, with their attendant danger of damage due toslipping of the tool, for the operation of the release of the end-of thespringor the release of the regulator arm from the spring.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claimsand portions of the improvements maybe used without others.

I claim:

1. Means for mounting and controlling a spiral spring in an instrumenthaving a rotor connected to the inner end of said spring comprising abridge supporting the rotor and having a slot therein, opening in thetop sur- 7 4 lator arm mounted on the bridge to pivot about the axis ofthe rotor, said arm having a portion projecting from the side of thebridge and having a readily releasable means having a portion dependingfrom the underside of the arm for embracing a portion of the spring forregulating the eflective length of said spring and an actuator connectedto said readily releasing means and overlying said arm, said clip andsaid actuator being exposed and accessible to release said spring fromthebridge and arm prior to the removal of said bridge and regulator armfrom the instrument.

3. Means for mounting the outer end of a spiral spring in an instrumenthaving a. rotor connected to the inner end of said spring comprising aclip secured to the outer end, portion of said spring, amounting'support having a slot opening in the top surface thereof toslidably receive the clip, said clip having flange means overlying thesupport, and keeper means on the top of the support face thereof, a clipon the outer endportion of said i spring disposed in said slot in saidbridge, and a regulator arm mounted on the bridge to pivot about theaxis of the rotor, said arm having a portion projecting from the side'ofthe bridge and having a readily releasable means having a portiondepending from the underside of the arm for embracing a portion of thespring for regulating the elfective length of said spring and anactuator connected to said readily releasing means and overlying saidarm, said clip and said actuator being exposed and accessible to releasesaid spring from the bridge and arm prior to the removal of said bridgeand regulator arm from the instrument. V I

' v 2. -Means for mounting and controlling a spiral spring in aninstrument having a rotor connected to the inner end of said springcomprising a bridge supporting the rotor, a clipsecured to the outer endportion of said spring, said bridge having a slot opening in the top;sur face thereof. to slidably receive the clip and said clip havingflange means overlying the support, keeper means on the supportengagingthe flange means on the clip to prevent the clip from moving out of theslot, and a reguengaging the flange means on the clip to prevent theclip from moving out of the slot. 1

4. Means for mounting the outer end of a spiral spring in an instrumenthaving a rotor connected to the inner end of said spring comprising aclip formed by a strip of metal folded around a portion of the outer endof said spring and having the ends of the strip bent outwardly to formflange means, a mounting support having a slot opening in the'topsurface thereof to slidably receive the clip with the flange meansoverlying the support, and keeper means carried by the top of thesupport engaging the flange means on the clip to prevent the clip frommoving out of the slot. a

5. Means for mounting the outer end of a spiral spring in an instrumenthaving a rotor connected to the inner end of said spring comprising aclip formed'by a strip of metal folded around a portion of the outer endof said spring andhaving the ends of the strip' bentoutwardly to formflange means and having a portion of the strip wrapped around the springto secure the strip thereto and to provide a gripping portiont'ofacilitate the handling of the end of the spring, a mounting supporthaving a slot to slidably receive the clip with the flange meansoverlying the support, and keeper means on the support from moving outof the slot.

6. Means for mounting the outer end of a spiral spring in an instrumenthaving a rotor connected to the inner end of said spring comprising aclip formed by a strip of metal folded around a portion of the outer endof said spring and having the ends of the stripbent outwardly to formflange means having keeper-receiving notches therein, a mounting supporthaving a slot to slidably receive the clip with the flange meansoverlying the support, and keeper means on the support engaging theflange means on the clip to prevent the clip from moving out of theslot, said keeper comprising a spring wire carried by the support andhaving a portion disposed in said notches in the flanges on said clip. 77. Means for controlling a spiral spring in an instrument having a rotorconnected to the inner end of said spring and a bridge supportingtherotor and having the outer end portion of said spring connectedthereto, comprisinga regulator arm mounted on the bridge to pivot aboutthe axis of the rotor, said arm having a portion projecting from theside of the bridge and having a readily releasable means for embracing aportion of the spring for regulating the effectivelengthof said spring,said releasable means comprising a post carried by the arm and disposedon one side of the spring, a flat sheet metal stamping having a squareportion extending through a circular hole in the arm to be rotatablycarried by the .arm in spaced relation to the post and located on theother side of the spring, said spring having a rectangularcross-section, said stamping having a laterally extending I engaging theflange means on theclip to prevent the clip the spring in the spacebetween the post and metal stamping to the arm, and a flat metal stripoverlying the top of the arm and secured to the square portion of themetal stamping for rotating the stamping to move the laterally extendingportion from under the post and spring to release the spring.

8. In a timepiece having a balance Wheel and a bridge for supporting thesame, said bridge having a slot formed therein and opening in the topsurface thereof, a spiral hairspring having the inner end thereofsecured to said wheel, readily releasable means for connecting the outerend of said spring to said bridge, said means comprising a clip securedto the outer end portion of said spring and adapted to be slidablyinserted into said slot in said bridge, said clip having flange meansoverlying the top surface of the bridge, and keeper means on the bridgeengaging and interlocking with means on the flange means on the clip toprevent the clip from moving out of the slot.

9. In a timepiece having a balance wheel and a bridge for supporting thesame, said bridge having a slot formed therein and opening in the topsurface thereof, a spiral hairspring having the inner end thereofconnected to said Wheel, readily releasable means for connecting theouter end of said spring to said bridge, said means comprising a clipformed by a strip of metal folded around a portion of the outer end ofsaid spring and having the ends of the strip bent outwardly to formflange means adapted to be slidably inserted into said slot in saidbridge with said flange means overlying the top surface of the bridge,and keeper means on the bridge including a resilient member engaging theflange means on the clip to prevent the clip from moving out of theslot.

10. In a timepiece having a balance wheel and a bridge for supportingthe same, said bridge having a slot formed therein and opening in thetop surface thereof, a spiral hairspring having the inner end thereofconnected to said wheel, readily releasable means for connecting theouter end of said spring to said bridge, said means comprising a clipformed by a strip of metal folded around a portion of the outer end ofsaid spring and having the ends of the strip bent outwardly to formflange means adapted to be slidably inserted into said slot in saidbridge with said flange means overlying the bridge and having a portionof the strip wrapped around the spring to secure the strip thereto andto provide a gripping portion to facilitate the handling of the end ofthe spring, and keeper means on the bridge engaging the flange means onthe clip to prevent the clip from moving out of the slot.

11. In a timepiece having a balance wheel and a bridge for supportingthe same, said bridge having a slot formed therein and opening in thetop surface thereof, a spiral hairspring having the inner end thereofconnected to said wheel, readily releasable means for connecting theouter end of said spring to said bridge, said means comprising a clipformed by a strip of metal folded around a portion of the outer end ofsaid spring and having the ends of the strip bent outwardly to formflange means adapted to be slidably inserted into said slot in saidbridge with said flange means overlying the bridge and havingkeeperreceiving notches therein, and keeper means on the bridge engagingthe flange means on the clip to prevent the clip from moving out of theslot, said keeper comprising a spring wire carried by the support andhaving a portion disposed in said notches in the flanges on said clip.

12. In a timepiece having a balance wheel and a bridge for supportingthe same, said bridge having a slot formed therein opening in the topsurface thereof, a spiral hairspring having the inner end thereofconnected to said wheel, readily releasable means for connecting theouter end of said spring to said bridge, said means comprising a clipformed by a strip of metal folded around a portion of the outer end ofsaid spring and having the ends of the strip bent outwardly to formflange means adapted to be slidably inserted into said slot formed insaid bridge with said flange means overlying the bridge and havingkeeper-receiving notches therein, keeper means on the bridge engagingthe flange means on the clip to prevent the clip from moving out of theslot, said keeper comprising a spring Wire carried by the support andhaving a portion disposed in said notches in the flanges on said clip,and a regulator arm having one end pivotally mounted on the bridge topivot about the axis of oscillation of the balance wheel and having theother end projecting from the side of the bridge and having a readilyreleasable means for harnessing the hairspring thereto for regulatingthe eflective length of said spring, said releasable means comprising apost carried by the arm and disposed on one side of the spring, a flatsheet metal stamping having a square portion extending through acircular hole in the arm to be rotatably carried by the arm in spacedrelation to the post and located on the other side of the spring, saidspring having a rectangular cross-section, said stamping having alaterally extending portion disposed below the spring and the post toharness the spring in the space between the post and metal stamping tothe arm, and a flat metal strip overlying the arm and secured to thesquare portion of the metal stamping for rotating the stamping to movethe laterally extending portion from under the post and spring torelease the spring, said keeper, flanges on the clip and sheet metalstrip overlying and being accessible from the upper surface of thebridge and regulator arm to release the spring from the bridge and armbefore removal of said bridge and arm from the timepiece.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS224,793 Peabody Feb. 24, 1880 772,106 Lange Oct. 11, 1904 2,047,188Bechler July 14, 1936 2,637,970 Kocher May 12, 1953 2,724,946 Von AeschNov. 29, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 28,681 Switzerland July 25, 1903 1,184,152France Feb. 2, 1959

1. MEANS FOR MOUNTING AND CONTROLLING A SPIRAL SPRING IN AN INSTRUMENTHAVING A ROTOR CONNECTED TO THE INNER END OF SAID SPRING COMPRISING ABRIDGE SUPPORTING THE ROTOR AND HAVING A SLOT THEREIN, OPENING IN THETOP SURFACE THEREOF, A CLIP ON THE OUTER END PORTION OF SAID SPRINGDISPOSED IN SAID SLOT IN SAID BRIDGE, AND A REGULATOR ARM MOUNTED ON THEBRIDGE TO PIVOT ABOUT THE AXIS OF THE ROTOR, SAID ARM HAVING A PORTIONPROJECTING FROM THE SIDE OF THE BRIDGE AND HAVING A READILY RELEASABLEMEANS HAVING A PORTION DEPENDING FROM THE UNDERSIDE OF THE ARM FOREMBRACING A PORTION OF THE SPRING FOR REGULATING THE EFFECTIVE LENGTH OFSAID SPRING AND AN ACTUATOR CONNECTED TO SAID READILY RELEASING MEANSAND OVERLYING SAID ARMS, SAID CLIP AND SAID ACTUATOR BEING EXPOSED ANDACCESSIBLE TO RELEASE SAID SPRING FROM THE BRIDGE AND ARM PRIOR TO THEREMOVAL OF SAID BRIDGE AND REGULATOR ARM FROM THE INSTRUMENT.